How to deal with bullies — The martial arts way

At Boulder Karate, we teach more than punches and kicks — we teach character. And when it comes to bullies, character makes all the difference.

Rule #1: Fighting is the last resort.

When students come to our martial arts classes in Boulder, one of the first things they learn is how to avoid a fight. That might sound surprising, but it's true. If you’re being targeted by a bully, the best response is to stay calm, speak up, and walk away if you can. Violence should never be the first option — or even the second.

We live by the Shaolin motto:

Avoid rather than check.
Check rather than hurt.
Hurt rather than maim.
Maim rather than kill.
For all life is precious and can never be replaced.

These words guide everything we do at Boulder Karate. They remind us to value life, use restraint, and stay grounded — even when tensions run high.

But if a bully refuses to back down…

That’s when martial arts training becomes a powerful tool for self-protection. If talking and walking away don’t work, and someone insists on getting physical, it’s time to act. We teach our students to protect themselves and stop the threat — and then stop the moment the fight is over. No retaliation. No revenge. Just self-control, skill, and safety.

One of our students recently showed what this looks like in real life.

Fifth grader Miles K.S. was with his friends at Sweet Cow when they were confronted by a group of 8th graders. The older kids began harassing them, and things quickly escalated. When they started kicking at Miles and his friends, he stayed calm. He told them to stop and warned them — respectfully — that he trains in Karate.

They laughed. But when one of the 8th graders came at him with punches and kicks, Miles didn’t freeze. He dodged the attacks, and when the bully wouldn’t back down, Miles swept him to the floor. Another kid grabbed him in a headlock from behind, which Miles instantly escaped and pushed the second boy away.

Then, he did something even more impressive. He told them to stop — again. And this time, they listened.

Miles told me about the incident a few days later. He said he didn’t want to hurt them, even though he had every opportunity. He just wanted them to stop. And that’s exactly what we hope to see from our students — not only courage and composure but the wisdom to walk away once the danger is over.

Way to go, Miles. We’re proud of you!

Stories like this remind us that martial arts can truly change lives. They build strength, confidence, and compassion. If you're looking for martial arts classes in Boulder that teach more than just technique, come train with us at Boulder Karate.

Stay Strong—Master Randolph